Soups & Drinks

Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes

Name: Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb lean ground turkey; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; Salt and black pepper to taste; ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper; Shredded cheddar cheese; Sour cream or Greek yogurt; Avocado slices; Fresh cilantro; Tortilla chips or cornbread on the side

Servings: 6 Total Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner

Jump To Recipe Print Recipe

Introduction

Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes is a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful dish that takes classic chili to a whole new level. Made with lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, beans, and bold spices, this chili is both comforting and nourishing. The sweetness of the potatoes balances the smoky spices, while the beans and turkey create a satisfying, protein-rich meal.

It’s perfect for chilly fall or winter evenings, game days, or meal prep for the week. Served with toppings like avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips, this chili is as versatile as it is delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s healthy comfort food at its finest. It delivers the cozy, bold flavors of traditional chili but with a lighter twist thanks to ground turkey and nutrient-packed sweet potatoes. It’s filling without being heavy, and the layers of flavor—from smoky paprika to a hint of sweetness—make every spoonful exciting.

I also love that it’s a one-pot meal—easy to make, easy to clean up, and perfect for feeding a crowd or storing for later. It’s the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day, which makes it one of my favorite go-to recipes.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Nutritious & Balanced: Protein, fiber, and vitamins in one bowl.
Flavorful: Sweet, smoky, spicy, and savory all at once.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Versatile: Works for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day meals.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Freezes well and tastes even better as leftovers.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6–8
Calories (per serving): ~320 kcal
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Dish / Dinner

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb lean ground turkey
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Spices & Seasoning:

2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Toppings (optional but recommended):

Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Avocado slices
Fresh cilantro
Tortilla chips or cornbread on the side

Quick Directions

Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic.
Add ground turkey, cooking until browned.
Stir in sweet potatoes, beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices.
Simmer for 30–40 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Serve hot with toppings of choice.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
Stir in garlic and cook another 1 minute.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey

Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes & Spices

Stir in cubed sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 2–3 minutes to let spices bloom.

Step 4: Add Liquids & Beans

Pour in diced tomatoes, broth, black beans, and kidney beans.
Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender and chili has thickened.

Step 6: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
Serve with cornbread, warm rolls, or tortilla chips.
For a lighter option, pair with a green salad.

Additional Recipe Tips

For a thicker chili, mash some of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot.
Adjust spice level by adding or reducing cayenne.
Use pre-cooked turkey or chicken for a quicker version.
Add corn kernels for extra sweetness and texture.

Variations

Vegetarian: Skip the turkey and add an extra can of beans or lentils.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
White Turkey Chili: Use white beans and omit tomatoes for a creamier version.
Slow Cooker: Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooled chili in containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Ladle
Sharp knife & cutting board

Conclusion

Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes is a hearty, nutritious, and comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. With lean protein, fiber-packed beans, and naturally sweet potatoes, it’s a complete meal in one bowl. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or chilly nights, this chili is a wholesome and satisfying recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Print Recipe